by Amie Denman
“Plenty of time to make dozens of doughnuts before the first crowds,” she said to herself. She left the side door open, letting in the cool morning air and slanted sunshine. She dropped doughnuts into the fryer over and over, noticing that no one passed by the open door. Sizzling doughnuts and oven timers made early-morning music in her bakery, but not a sound came from the other vendor shops.
The carousel lurched into action, its music floating eerily over the silence. One hour until opening. She rolled up the front window shade and saw that Tosha’s ice-cream shop was buttoned up tight. Ricardo’s souvenir shack was still shuttered. She leaned over her counter and looked sideways toward Bernie’s Boardwalk Fries and Hank’s Hot Dogs. Nothing. No one. The midway was deserted.
Gus glanced at the wall calendar and the clock. “I’m not crazy, am I? It’s Friday, July nineteenth, eight thirty in the morning and I’m making doughnuts. Maybe the rest of the world’s crazy or sleeping in or the Point Bridge sank into the bay after I crossed it.”
She shut off a beeping oven timer and pulled out a rack of cupcakes.
And then it hit her.
The vendors were not showing up. Purposely not opening their food and souvenir stands. This was their big move to prove their value to the Hamiltons. The plan they had cooked up at those meetings she wasn’t invited to.
Although the vendors had begun to feel like the family she craved, that family had turned against her. And against the Hamiltons. Was this what Mel had alluded to when he suggested her loyalty would be tested?
Of all days. A busy Friday was one thing, but how did the other vendors know today was so important? She searched her memory. No way had she told them anything. Until Wednesday, she hadn’t known bankers would be visiting the Point and acting on those appraisals. Her fellow vendors had stopped talking to her over a week ago. But somehow they’d chosen a day where their revolt would do the maximum damage. Catastrophic damage.
The phone rang, shattering the silence and making Gus jump. Her heart raced as she crossed the floor and grabbed it off the hook.
Evie’s voice rushed loudly. “Gus, what’s happening?”
“Trying to figure it out.”
“You’re the only vendor who’s here. I’m sitting in Jack’s office and we’re looking at the security cameras.”
“Should I wave?”
“Not funny.” Evie’s voice cracked and Gus heard tears in it.
“Sorry. I’m trying to understand what’s going on. I got here extra early because I couldn’t sleep. I’ve made hundreds of doughnuts and just realized I’m alone except for the employees getting the rides going.”
“The park opens in less than an hour,” Evie said.
“I know.”
“So where are the other vendors? Are they all sick? Did they quit? Help me out here.”
“I’m only putting two and two together, Evie, but I think they’re boycotting.”
“Boycotting?”
There was a muffled conversation, Jack’s urgent tones railroading the quieter sounds of Evie, June and Virginia. She thought she heard something like Betty whining in the background. Probably too much noise and excitement for the old gal. It was too much drama for everyone concerned. The tense voices mixed with the feeling of white-water rapids in Gus’s gut.
The next thing she heard was Jack’s voice shouting in the background then right in her ear. “Gus, you better call up your friends and tell them to get in here and open those shops. I can’t believe you did this to us. You tell them they’re out on their butts if they’re not up and running by ten. You tell them...”
Gus held the phone away from her ear. She set it down and gripped the table’s edge, listening to a cacophony of voices from the receiver. Evie’s and Jack’s voices competed. The talking finally stopped and Gus put the phone back on its hook. She leaned against the counter, glancing at the clock, feeling sick. Rows and rows of fresh doughnuts lined up on parchment, waiting to be boxed or sold to hungry guests who would arrive in twenty-three minutes now. And no other food vendors would be operating.
She slid down and sat on the floor. So Jack thinks I had something to do with this. He thinks my friends involved me in their decision to sabotage Starlight Point? The clock ticked away several more minutes.
“Gus? Are you in there?”
She knew the voice. June Hamilton. The most neutral and possibly rational member of the family. She raised her hand and waved it, knowing June would see it over the counter. “Down here. Come in by the side entrance.”
June strode through the door in three seconds, sinking down next to Gus.
“I don’t know what to say,” June began.
“You’re not here for a doughnut?” Gus asked.
June leaned back against the counter and laughed. “Doughnuts go straight to my thighs and I have enough problems as it is right now.”
“You sure do. You’re probably sitting in something sticky and those pants look like they’re dry-clean only.”
“Better than being in my dad’s office right now. Evie is sobbing and Jack’s stalking around yelling like a royal jerk. Mom is methodically brushing Betty—that poor dog will probably be bald by nightfall. I’m the only one doing anything useful.”
“Which is?”
“Talking to you. You don’t have to help us—you’ve got plenty of reasons why you wouldn’t want to—but hear me out. Please.”
“Listening.”
“First off, sorry about my stupid big brother. I heard what he said on the phone. He’s in full panic-the-plane’s-going-down mode. Bankers will be here at nine thirty, want to do a walk-through starting about ten. All Jack can see right now is the mess the bankers are going to see and—I’m not gonna lie—the plane will go down.”
“I know. Jack told me about the debts two nights ago when we—”
June almost smiled.
“When we were...uh...alone,” Gus continued. “No one could have overheard.”
“I don’t know why the vendors chose today to boycott, but you obviously didn’t know about it because—duh—you’re here. On behalf of my shouting brother, my sobbing sister, and my mother and her dog, I’m asking for your help.”
“I’m not exactly on the vendors’ good side,” Gus said. “They didn’t even invite me to their last three meetings. I think it’s because, in their words, I’ve gotten too cozy with your brother.”
“Smartest thing he’s done all summer, if you ask me.”
“I’ve only known the other vendors for a few months, but I thought they were my friends.”
“And they left you out of this,” June said, nodding. “That probably hurts, and I’m sorry to be here making it worse.”
Gus sighed. “It does hurt. My family moved around a lot when I was growing up, but I always thought I belonged here. I want to make Bayside and Starlight Point my permanent home, build a business here.”
June scooted closer to Augusta. “There must be some way to fix this. Some way we can reason with the other vendors.”
“I know they’re angry and upset about their contracts, and they probably want to show Jack they’re important. Make him appreciate them. Closing their shops for the day—or even part of the day if that’s what they plan—would sure as heck make their point.”
“And then some,” June agreed.
“But they’re not malicious. And they’re dedicated to Starlight Point. They love this place—they’ve spent their lives here, some of them. That’s why they’re so mad. If their boycott puts the whole place in jeopardy...”
Gus got up and poured two cups of coffee. She sat down again and handed one cup to June.
“What the heck,” June said. “I need something with this coffee.” She stood and inspected the rows of doughnuts lined up on the counter, chose one with chocolate
and sprinkles on top, and plunked down next to Gus.
They sat in silence as June tore into the pastry.
“I just don’t think they could have known about the bankers’ meeting today. The only people who knew were your family and me. And I didn’t tell anyone.”
“I know you didn’t,” June said. “That’s why I’m asking for your help now.”
Gus pulled her cell phone out of her apron pocket. “I’m going to start making phone calls. It might take some convincing and some time, but I’ll do everything I can to get them in here.”
The opening bell sounded and excited voices moved their way. The first rush of people who’d been waiting outside the gate started pouring past. Families, teenagers, senior citizens with season passes and exercise on their minds. All of them expecting to see the food stands and souvenir stands open as they made their way toward the rides. Gus was glad she couldn’t see their confusion as they passed her stand, but she knew she had to get up and put on a brave face.
A summer employee, Becky, rushed through the side door, breathing heavily.
“Sorry I’m late. Kid problems. My daughter didn’t want to wear...” Becky stopped, looking around at the rows and rows of doughnuts and June Hamilton sitting on the floor under the counter with Gus. “What’s going on?”
“Tell you in a minute. First, toss on an apron and start selling doughnuts and coffee. We’re the only game in town right now, and it’s going to be a wild morning.”
Gus walked out the side door with June. “Any way you can convince the bankers to start their tour at the back of the park? Go through the hotel first and then the Wonderful West? Only vendor in the hotel is me, and I know Liz will be there. Aren’t nearly as many vendors in the Wonderful West, so it won’t be as obvious back there.”
June hugged Gus. “Good idea. I’ll see what I can do.”
“Try to give me until noon before you bring them to the main midway.”
“I’ll try. Thanks. I really mean that.”
“And brush the doughnut crumbs off your blouse.”
June looked down and laughed. “I should’ve stayed in New York,” she said. “I can’t handle the excitement here.”
* * *
TOSHA ANSWERED HER cell phone on the first ring. “Hello, Gus. I bet I can guess why you’re calling—and I can understand if you’re mad we left you out...”
“I’m not mad about that,” Gus said.
“Really?”
“Upset maybe, but not mad. I get it. You were afraid I’d tell Jack. Evie would sure find out about a boycott if I didn’t assign any workers to my shops or bake anything in advance. I get it, Tosha.”
“So... I’m almost afraid to ask. What did Jack say when he saw none of us were showing up? Not that I regret it. He’s got it coming. The way he’s treated us this year...”
“Listen. Your point is made. Believe me, it’s made. But Starlight Point is in trouble.”
“Sure it is. Hungry people are gonna want fries, dogs and ice cream. They can’t eat cookies all day long—even as good as yours are.”
“It’s more than that. You know those appraisers that have been hanging around?”
“Humph.”
“They were appraising everything at the Point. Not just vendors. The whole place. Every ride, restaurant, flower garden and restroom. Bankers are here today, walking through the park, trying to decide if they’ll extend their loans or foreclose on Starlight Point.”
Dead silence for five seconds.
“Are you there, Tosha?”
“I can’t believe— Starlight Point is in debt?”
“Yes, and it’s serious. I heard inklings earlier this summer, but the Hamiltons keep to themselves about business. I just learned the whole story two days ago. And now the bankers are here. They start their tour at nine thirty. They want to see a healthy, thriving place or they could shut the whole thing down.”
“I had no idea. I thought something was going on because I heard Evie tell Liz she was taking the nineteenth for family business. Thought we’d mess with their business a little, but we didn’t know bankers were coming through. You gotta believe me.”
“I do believe you, but we have to do something,” Gus said.
“Sure do. You get off the phone. Go roll up the front awnings on all our shops. Turn on the signs. Get someone behind the counter. At least make it look like we’re in business.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to call everybody and get them there just as fast as they can.”
“I’ve got June stalling the bankers. Think we’ve got till noon before they come up front. If we’re lucky.”
“Gus... I’m sorry I didn’t trust you, wasn’t sure which...”
“Just get all the vendors here. We’ll talk about it later. Today, we’re all on the same side.”
Gus left Becky to run her shop alone, despite the chaotic crowd of hungry people. She grabbed her two other employees and headed for the row of shops across the midway.
She tried the side door on Ricardo’s souvenir shop. Locked. She ran over to Tosha’s. Also locked.
“Dangit,” she said.
“Why do women always say that when I show up?”
Gus stopped shaking the doorknob and turned around. Mel Preston. With a huge ring of keys.
“Don’t even have to waste time filling me in,” he said. “June called me. Said I should do anything you said. I’m willing, but I’m still hoping for a doughnut out of this.”
“Later. I’ll make you doughnuts that will have you on your knees. Right now, I need you to open the doors, roll up the awnings and turn on the neon signs for all the vendors on the midway.”
“Got it.”
“Know any maintenance guys who can make hot dogs or scoop ice cream? Run a cash register?”
“Probably quite a few of them. Most of us started off working at the food stands when we were teenagers. I worked two summers for Bernie’s Boardwalk Fries.” He cracked his knuckles. “I think I can still pull it off. I’ll get on the radio and find someone for each of the shops.”
“You’re a lifesaver.”
“Saving my own skin and everyone else’s. Bank decides to call in their loans, we’re all on the same sinking ship.”
Twenty minutes later, it looked as though every stand on the midway was open. They also looked incredibly busy because long lines spooled out front. Gus speed walked from one stand to the next, checking on the progress.
A gray-haired maintenance man she’d seen around all summer wore a bright pink apron and wielded an ice-cream scoop at Tosha’s.
“Having the time of my life,” he said. “Haven’t done this since I was seventeen. Can’t believe how much prices have gone up since then, though.”
Gus glanced at the long line of wiggling kids and exasperated parents. “I’ll try to get someone to help you,” she said.
At Bernie’s Boardwalk Fries, Mel wore a red apron and whirled from the fryer to the front counter, serving up orders of fries at roller-coaster speed.
“How much longer?” he asked when Gus walked in the side door. “I forgot how hard this is. I burned my finger and I’m sweating like I’m in hell.”
“Bernie called. Stuck in traffic on the Point Bridge.”
“Everyone’s coming to the Point on a nice day like this,” Mel said. He shook his head and turned back to the fryer.
Hank was the first vendor to arrive. He barreled down the midway, tossing on his condiment-stained apron, and took over behind the counter.
“I knew this was a bad idea,” he said, shaking his head at Gus. “Should’ve told you what was going on.”
“Can’t talk about it now. Gotta move.”
Gus grabbed the electrician who’d been mannin
g the hot-dog stand and pulled him toward Ricardo’s. “You can run a cash register, right?”
“I can take one apart and put it back together again.”
“You’re hired. Start selling hats and T-shirts. Ricardo will be here in fifteen minutes, but people are lined up already.”
“I’ll sure try. Might look a little funny with my boots and tool belt.”
“Throw on a Starlight Point T-shirt. You’ll be fine.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
BY NOON, THINGS were shaping up on the midway, and there was a chance visitors would be convinced that Starlight Point was having a successful summer’s day.
Gus was glad the bankers had taken their time coming up the trail from the Wonderful West. Because of the makeshift crews at the midway vendors, the food lines were long and rowdy. Little by little, the vendors and their usual crews replaced the maintenance guys and handled the lines of customers.
At Aunt Augusta’s Midway Bakery, business was booming. Thanks to her sleeplessness, Gus had stockpiled a doughnut supply that lasted a good half hour, enough to make a dent in the demand for food and give the other shops a fighting chance to get moving.
Gus shaded her eyes, standing on the hot white concrete in front of her shop. She saw them. A pack of dark-suited men with a very tall man in the middle. Behind the group, a woman with a red wagon dodged in and out of the crowds. Betty’s sure having an interesting day, Gus thought. She just hoped Jack remembered to slow his pace.
Gus didn’t know why she continued to wait outside her bakery, watching the group make their way past the Silver Streak, Kiddieland and the entrance to the Sea Devil. They lingered in front of the new ride, and Gus thought they might use their VIP status to bypass the two-hour line and take a whirl on the sea monster. But they didn’t. Perhaps Jack was trying to sell the ride as a great investment. Now that it was running well, maybe it was.
Snowflakes swirled through her insides as she waited for them to get closer. She just wanted one glimpse of Jack’s face and then she’d retreat inside her bakery and hide in the back. The crowd parted a little. Even from fifty feet away, Gus could see that Jack didn’t look happy. Evie wore a strained smile. Virginia walked along, head down, dragging Betty’s wagon.